The interesting events in the study of ancestry and family history
are overshadowed by the fact of death. All preceding generations
have passed this way, and on. It is certain too the succeeding
generations are destined to likewise follow.
When you stop and think about it a name and statistics in some
one's genealogical file, isn't much to look forward to. But an
investigation of the subject is interesting, as well as helpful
and encouraging.
The Story
In the beginning God created Adam (Genesis 1:26), but he rebelled
by disobeying God's commandment (Genesis 2:17; 3:12). Adam's disobedience
separated him from God, and he received the sentence of death. The result then passed on to all his descendants, "for in Adam
all die..." (1 Corinthians 15:22). In spite of his rebellion God
still loved Adam and promised a redeemer to "buy" back what he had lost (Genesis 3:15).
The death sentence included all mankind. But God is "not willing
that any should perish" (2 Peter 3:9), and the promised Redeemer,
known as the Messiah, or, the Christ, would restore fellowship
with Him.
The Promised One, did not immediately appear. Animal sacrifice was instituted
(the innocent for the guilty) to foreshadow His blood sacrifice,
which would take away the sins of the world.
One day, much later, God sent his angel, Gabriel, to a virgin
called, Mary. He told her she would conceive of the Holy Spirit
and bear a son whom she should name, Jesus (Savior), the Son of
God (Luke 1:26-35).
Some months later, the child was born. Then an Angel of the Lord
appeared to certain shepherds and proclaimed: "I bring you tidings
of great joy...for unto you is born this day...a Savior which
is Christ the Lord." And He was called, Jesus (Luke 2:1-21).
Jesus grew up and began to fulfill the purpose of His coming to
earth. He revealed God's love and resolves for man by his sinless
life, teaching, and mighty deeds. His crucifixion completed his
purpose in coming. His blood was poured out.
As a result, he became the perfect sacrifice to take away the sins of the world, and redeem man (Hebrews 9:26).
After three days in the grave, Jesus, by the power of God, arose
from the dead.
Before ascending into heaven he explained that it was necessary
for Christ to suffer and die in order to deal with sin, which
he bore in his body on the cross. He then commissioned his disciples
to proclaim to all men repentance and remission of sins (Luke 24:46, 47).
What God Did
God, at the cross, concluded the problem of sin. Through Jesus'
righteous life and sacrifice, he closed the gap of separation and reconciled man to Himself. Jesus became sin and died in man's place, that
man might have life by faith in Him. Jesus took man's sin and
gave his righteousness to those who trust Him (2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:11).
The reconciliation required belief that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. "...for", said He,
"if you believe not that I am he, you shall die in your sins"
(John 8:24). Jesus also taught that he was the manifestation of
God's love to man. "For God so loved the world that he gave his
only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him, should not
perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).
Because Jesus "tasted death for every man" (Hebrews 2:9), we need
no longer fear death. "For ", speaking of death and resurrection
in the symbol of baptism, "if we have been planted together in
the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of
his resurrection" (Romans 6:5). "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23).
Man's sin separated him from God and resulted in death. God in
His love and compassion set in action His plan to redeem man.
It was completed when Jesus died on the cross, for everyone, and
arose from the dead.
Through this substitutionary sacrifice and death God's justice was satisfied. It also made
a way for man to come back to God. That way is Jesus. He, Himself, said: "I am the way, the truth, and the life; No
man comes unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).
The Bible reveals from the beginning God's love and purpose for
man and his lost state. God delivered up His Son for us (Romans
8:32), that we might be reconciled to God and live forever.
By belief in God and faith in His Son, Jesus, we receive the gift of eternal life (Ephesians
2:8). Because of faith in Jesus we pass from death to life and
become new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). "He that hears my word,
and believes on him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall
not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life" (John 5:24). Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection made this possible.
Your Part
Turn from your unbelief and seek God's will for your life (Acts
17:30). Put your trust in Jesus, God's Son. Believe that He died for you; that through Him you have forgiveness of
sins. Invite Him into your heart and confess His name and receive
God's gift of eternal life (Romans 10:9, 10). Become His child
through faith in the Son of God (Galatians 3:26).
(Note: The references above and the Story of Redemption are found in
The Holy Bible.)
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